Wednesday, September 4, 2019

US Open 2019, Live score, Bianca Andreescu vs Elise Mertens quarter-final tennis match: Mertens breaks Andreescu right back

05:44 (IST)

Andreescu 3-6, 2-1* Mertens

And Mertens breaks back! The Belgian gets the set back on serve after breaking to 15. 

05:41 (IST)

Andreescu 3-6, *2-0 Mertens

Andreescu stretches Mertens wide and wins the second point with a volleyed drop shot. Mertens double faults to bring up triple breakpoint for Andreescu who converts at the first time of asking! She needed that break to lift her up and she's pumped up now.

05:37 (IST)

Andreescu 3-6, 1-0* Mertens

Andreescu begins the second set with a double fault. She wins the next three points before Mertens sets up a brilliant forehand winner for 40-30. A FH unforced error gets the game to deuce. She gets the hold with a smash and a forehand winner. 

05:33 (IST)

Andreescu 3-6, *0-0 Mertens

Stat: Mertens won her 17th consecutive set in the US Open (single and doubles)!

05:31 (IST)

Elise Mertens wins the first set 6-3!

A one-sided opening set goes to Elise Mertens! Bianca Andreescu was supposed to be the favourite in this tie but the Canadian teen has been blown away by her Belgian opponent so far. 

05:29 (IST)

Andreescu 3-5* Mertens

A pair of forehand winners and a volleyed winner sees Andreescu hold to love. Mertens to serve for the first set.

05:25 (IST)

Andreescu *2-5 Mertens

Mertens closes out another easy hold with a powerful forehand winner. The Belgian is a game away from winning the first set.

05:21 (IST)

Andreescu 2-4* Mertens

A deep return from Mertens forces Andreescu to send her forehand long. Mertens goes 0-30 up with a down the line backhand winner. A Mertens backhand to the net makes it 15-30. Mertens brings up double breakpoint with a brilliant point. Andreescu pulls out a drop shot which Mertens rushes to get to and flicks it beyond Andreescu. The Canadian challenges but is unsuccessful. However, she rallies to get to deuce. An overhead smash winner brings up gamepoint but she then goes on to shank her backhand long. Mertens brings up another breakpoint with a brilliant forehand winner. She loses it after volleying wide. Mertens brings up a fourth breakpoint with a good return of serve. Andreescu saves it with an ace and she finally wins the game. Big hold from the Canadian.

05:11 (IST)

Andreescu *1-4 Mertens

At 30-30, Mertens dishes out a good serve which rise sharply forcing Andreescu to return it wide from an awkward position. Mertens closes out the hold after Andreescu misses her forehand.

05:07 (IST)

Andreescu 1-3* Mertens

An early breakpoint opportunity from Mertens as she takes a 15-40 lead. She converts at the first time of asking after Andresuce misses a volley at the net. Early break for Mertens!

05:02 (IST)

Andreescu *1-2 Mertens

A very good service hold from Mertens. She mixed up her serves well and got the hold with a kick serve which Andreescu nets.

05:00 (IST)

Andreescu 1-1* Mertens

A deep backhand from Bibi Andreescue sets up an easy putaway at the net on the first point. At 30-15, she whips in a powerful forehand beyond Mertens and wraps up the hold with a service winner out wide. Strong start from Andreescu here.

04:56 (IST)

Andreescu *0-1 Mertens

Andreescu wins a long rally which sees both players stretched all around the court with a clean forehand winner. A couple of errors from Mertens brings up double breakpoint for Andreescu. Bianca loses both after missing back to back forehands. Mertens gets the hold in the end with a service winner. 

04:52 (IST)

Andreescu 0-0* Mertens

Ready? Play! Elise Mertens to get us started.

04:50 (IST)

Top seeds Cabal and Farah progress in the men's doubles draw. They will face Murray and Skupski. 

04:48 (IST)

Bianca Andreescu vs Elise Mertens

This is their first-ever meeting. Andreescu is 31-4 in 2019, the best record on the WTA Tour this year. Mertens has a mixed record this year at 28-21 but has the Doha title in her kitty.

04:47 (IST)

Strong assessment by Johnny Mac about Andreescu. 

04:39 (IST)

Bianca Andreescu vs Elise Mertens

18-year-old Bianca Andreescu is perhaps one of the most exciting young talents in tennis right now and the Canadian is enjoying a breakthrough year. While she has suffered from injuries, Andreescu is yet to lose since February when she lost to Angelique Kerber at Indian Wells. She retired at the French Open and missed Wimbledon through injury but she has been in brilliant form at Flushing Meadows. She didn't drop a set in the first three rounds and then ended the run of Taylor Townsend in the fourth round. In Elise Mertens, she faces her biggest test of the tournament. 25th seed Mertens is in scintilating form and is yet to drop a set. With both players aiming to reach a first Grand Slam semi-final, we can expect some good tennis today.

04:04 (IST)

Next Gen may not be arriving but the men in the 20s have!

04:00 (IST)

Berrettini (and many others) exhausted after that five setter

03:56 (IST)

What a moment for Italian tennis!

03:55 (IST)

Berrettini in the on-court chat: "I only remember the match point right now. I don't remember anything else except the double fault. I would like to say congrats to Gael and his team. When I was playing, I was thinking it was one of the best matches. Grazie! Thanks everyone."

"I was lucky that I had the match points and not him. It was tight. Proud of myself, lost my serve twice in the fifth, I kept concentrating and looking forward to the next point."

"Thanks to everyone in my box. All the people that care about me. There's more at home. Be ready for the next match guys! The tournament is not finished."

03:51 (IST)

Matteo Berrettino into the semis

Matteo Berrettini through to his first ever slam semi-final. Beats Gael Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5) to progress at the US Open. Only his second main draw appearance at US Open and he's into the semifinals. What an absolute sensational almost four hour match where Berrettini needed five match points. Berrettini led 5-2 in the fifth and served for the match multiple times before closing it out in the tiebreak. He will face the winner of Nadal and Schwartzman. 

03:49 (IST)

Fifth set tiebreak

5-2: Monfils serves his 17th double fault and this is putting the match on the platter for Berrettini.

5-3: Berrettini seems to have found Monfils off and approaches the net with Monfils well behind the baseline but the approach isn't the greatest and the Frenchman sends a forehand winner passing shot.

5-4: Monfils with percentage tennis and has Berrettini nets the backhand. Back on serve. Despite the gifts.

6-4: The amount of effort it takes to get a point off Monfils! Berrettini going back repeatedly on Monfils' forehand and each time the Frenchman has one more ball. Berrettini closes it out with a deft volley. 

Match point number four for Berrettini.

6-5: Monfils saves it with an ace down the tee. Berrettini challenges but the ball has found the line. 

Match point number five for Berrettini.

7-5: Berrettini with a huge serve and Monfils' serve return goes long. 

03:43 (IST)

Fifth set tiebreak

1-0: No tenser moment than a fifth set tiebreak! Berrettini to get things going and he starts off well with a forehand cross court winner.

2-0: Double fault by Monfils.16th of the night. 

2-1: Big serve by Monfils and Berrettini's serve reply sails long. 

3-1: This time Berrettini with a big serve down the tee and Monfils' return is long.

4-1: Berrettini with a big serve and looks to go for a forehand winner but it is touch and go. Linesman says wide but it has found the line! Such fine margins.

4-2: Monfils with a serve and forehand winner approach this time. Change of ends. 

03:39 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-6 *Monfils

From 30-0, Monfils has given Berrettini a slight opening. Rather the Italian has created it. First a winner and then an incredible lob winner. Followed by a Monfils double fault. Out of nowhere. Berrettini hits the net on the serve return and Monfils saves another match point. Backhand error brings up game point for Monfils but he doesn't convert with a 15th double fault. Make that 16 double faults now. Third match point for Berrettini. What an incredibly nervous point by both players. The tension can be felt by everyone on the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Berrettini nets his sliced backhand and Monfils survives once again. Back-to-back backhand errors and Monfils has another opportunity to hold his serve. The Frenchman looking to get the crowd going and the crowd responds. As does Monfils! Berrettini's forehand goes long. Monfils saves three match points and we're headed for a fifth set tiebreak!

03:31 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-5 Monfils

Fifth set and over three and a half hours played and yet Monfils is able to pick up a drop shot which sits up after hitting the top of the net. Berrettini keeps the going alive by forcing Monfils into errors. From 0-30 it is 30-30. Berrettini holds with gifts from Monfils on return. Four straight points for the Italian and he holds.

03:27 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 5-5 *Monfils

Bit of an up and down game with Monfils and Berrettini both erring in shots here and there. Monfils holds out when Berrettini's backhand goes a touch wide. Three straight games for Monfils now. 

03:21 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 5-4 Monfils

Berrettini serving for the match with new balls. Starts off with a big serve and Monfils is unable to get it back. Monfils with a rally from the back and Berrettini with a tired-looking backhand into the net. Nothing tired about that 124 mph first serve which goes long after hitting Monfils' racket. Matteo with a well planned serve-and-volley but misses the backhand volley. Nerves? 30-30. In the circumstances, a solid point from Berrettini - two big shots and then a smash. Match point. Double fault! Wow. Break point! Both players involved in a cagey rally before Monfils goes all out for a forehand winner. Berrettini nets the forehand and Monfils stays alive. BREAK!

03:13 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 5-2 Monfils

Monfils with an error on the serve return and Berrettini clinches his third straight game for a comfortable hold. One game away....

03:09 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 4-2 *Monfils

A poor, poor serve from Monfils once again and this time Berrettini breaks at love. Following the break, Berrettini gets a code violation for coaching. The Italian walks up to ask how he received any coaching and the umpire informs him that he was warned earlier. 

03:04 (IST)

Berrettini. Backhand. Banger. 

03:03 (IST)

We know the women's doubles semifinalists now.

03:02 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 2-2 *Monfils

Comfortable hold of serve for Gael and the fifth set is now on serve. 

02:57 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 2-1 Monfils

It is Berrettini now with a couple of lose shots to get the game going. At 0-30, Berrettini comes back by forcing Monfils into an error and then has the Frenchman drawn forward to make a tough volley. At 30-30, a big, big serve and Monfils' reply is wide. Berrettini looks to go down the line on the forehand but misses. Deuce. Forehand error and Monfils has a break point to get the break right back. And he breaks! Another forehand miss from Berrettini and Monfils pumps his fist in celebration. Monfils doing the smart thing at prolonging the point and waiting for the error to come. And it did. BREAK BACK!

02:52 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 2-0 *Monfils

After both players go off court for a toilet break, Berrettini returns to hold serve with ease. It is the Monfils serve that is now under pressure. An error by Monfils has Berrettini interested at 15-30. The Italian with a big forehand and Monfils is unable to get it back. 15-40 and two break point chances. Berrettini with another big forehand and Monfils errs. BREAK!

02:43 (IST)

Monfils wins the fourth set 6-3

Gael Monfils has forced a fifth set after finding the the energy and consistency - even if temporarily - to break the Berrettini serve. The Italian with a solitary break point chance but he failed to make it count. Monfils better on serve return this set as well. 

02:41 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6 *Monfils

After Berrettini holds at 15, Monfils to serve for the fourth set. Monfils with a deep shot and starts off nicely. Next up, Berrettini misses a forehand and Monfils goes two points from a fourth set win. Make that one point as Berrettini misses another shot. Big serve and it doesn't come back for Monfils to take the fourth set 6-3. 

02:34 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 2-5 *Monfils

Monfils opting to utilise the 25 second short clock to gather energy. After shanking a forehand at 40-30, he takes a breather at deuce and comes back with a huge forehand winner. Tries the serve-and-volley approach at game point but the serve is not good enough and the service return is into the feet. At deuce, Monfils with a big forehand winner and a wry smile. Closes the game out with an ace, his sixth, and takes in the crowd's applause. 

02:28 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 2-4 Monfils

After that monstrous service game last time around, this time Berrettini holds to love with a forehand winner into open court. 

02:27 (IST)

In the women's doubles match on Armstrong, a coaching violation warning...

02:25 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 1-4 *Monfils

Just when it appeared Monfils had the momentum and energy on his side, he lets it go ever a touch to concede a break point. But takes out three straight points to hold serve. He's pumped and the change of ends would do Berrettini a world of good to get himself together. 

02:22 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 1-3 Monfils

Monfils with show of emotion now. Pumping himself up to stage a comeback. Some gutsy play to take the game to 0-30. Berretini forces Monfils into an error to make it 15-30. Berrettini getting affected by the volume created by Monfils and now by the crowd as he nets a forehand. Two break points. Monfils jumps on the kick second serve and it goes long. But another chance still there. 'Allez, allez' yells Svitolina from the box. Berrettini with a big cross court forehand and Monfils' slice defensive shot goes long. At deuce, Berrettini gets unlucky as the ball hits the net chord but doesn't jump over. Third break point and it is saved again. Monfils doing his utmost to chase down a Berrettini forehand and collides with a camera but not enough to get it back. Tries the same on deuce but same result. On game point, Berrettini serves a double. Mishit by Berrettini and Monfils has another chance - the fourth. Berrettini with an incredible backhand winner down the line. Plenty riding on that point but Berrettini with a sweetly struck 89mph winner! 16 shot rally on deuce and Berrettini nets his forehand. Both players look spent. Fifth break point for Monfils. This one is taken! Berrettini's forehand hits the top of the tape and bounces up kindly for Monfils to run in and play for a winner! He suddenly has the energy and as does the crowd. 

02:10 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 1-2 *Monfils

Another hold at love for Monfils. One of his quickest holds tonight. But he needs to put pressure on the Berrettini serve to draw back. 

02:09 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 1-1 Monfils

Fairly comfortable holds of serve for both players. Monfils holding at love before Berrettini coming through with slight pressure in an extended game. 

02:00 (IST)

Berrettini wins third set 6-2

Matteo Berrettini in completely control now. He is solid on serve and creating openings on the Monfils serve to keep the pressure applied throughout. The Italian 13/13 on first serve in that set. 

01:59 (IST)

Berrettini* 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 Monfils

Berrettini holds at 15 to take the third set. Solid, solid groundstrokes from him and holds with a beautiful flick of the wrist for a forehand winner. 

01:55 (IST)

Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 5-2 *Monfils

Play underway after a seven minute delay. At 40-30, Monfils serves a double and this is once again not turning into a comfortable hold. Berrettini scrambles and continues to keep himself in the point before Monfils' drop shot is decent enough to not fetch a reply. But Berrettini not going away. Couple of points later, Berrettini swings a forehand cross court winner to bring the game once again to deuce. Monfils misses a forehand and the Italian has a break point. Monfils with a strong forehand on the backhand and then on the forehand with court open to force an error. Deuce once again and an error from Monfils once again - a double once again. Saves it after forcing Berrettini into an error. Uh oh! Another double fault and Monfils lets out an exasperated cry. Berrettini converts this break point with a forehand winner down the line. Huge yell out in celebration and in getting the break he was looking for. Double break ahead now.

01:48 (IST)

US Open roof comes on.

01:40 (IST)

Roof being closed!

After the lights being turned on, the roof being closed now. Both players take their seat and this could take a while. Not as long as Wimbledon's roof but roughly five minutes. Raining slightly too so might need to mop up the court as well. 

New York: Rafael Nadal will try to make sure the US Open has one member of the Big Three in the semi-finals.

With Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic out of the tournament, Nadal is the only Major champion left on the men's side as he faces No 20 Diego Schwartzman tonight.

Nadal, who has won three of his 18 Major titles at Flushing Meadows, is playing in his 40th career Grand Slam quarter-final. He is 7-0 against Schwartzman.

No 13 Gael Monfils of France and No 24 Matteo Berrettini meet in the other quarter-final.

The women's quarter-final match-ups are No 13 Belinda Bencic — who ousted reigning champion Naomi Osaka in the last 16 which will cost the latter her World No 1 ranking — against Donna Vekic, the 23rd seed, who saved a match point in the second set in her previous match to rally past German 26th seed Julia Goerges into her first Slam quarter-final.

Meanwhile, 15th-seeded Bianca Andreescu — who is aiming to become the first teenager in the semi-finals at the US Open since Caroline Wozniacki was the runner-up in 2009 — will be against No 25 Elise Mertens, who has dropped only 16 games in four matches. Mertens is the only one of the four who has been beyond this stage of a Grand Slam.



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